Saturday 6 February 2021

Blogorati Stars: 'Petra

 Almost a year on since the last Blogorati Star's post, may I introduce our next Star:

'Petra

 I don't know how I missed it, but Petra was in the same batch of approved star names as Mago back in December 2019.  Perhaps it's because she's...

 Yes, at 196 light years away poor Petra (AKA WASP-80) is too dim to be seen with the naked eye, with an apparent magnitude of only 11.88.  If you get your telescope out however, Petra can be found in the constellation Aquila (the Eagle) just off the tip of its beak at right acension 20h 12m 40.18s, declination −02° 08′ 39.1″.  She also has an entourage - at least one planet, Wadirum, constantly orbits her, attending to her every whim and desire.

I haven't been out stargazing lately, so I put this star map together from a photo I took back in August 2019 (which is why Saturn is in Sagittarius here rather than Capricornus)


  Yes, Mago will have some stellar company with this Diva Lady.  And speaking of Mago, let's pre-empt his Sunday Music with some 'Petra-themed tunes:

21 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Well, yes. Especially when we finally make it over the Cusp!

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  2. Replies
    1. I only got as far as reading "Oh Jerry" and then Margo Leadbetter in the Surbiton Music Society's version of Now Voyager popped in my head. And I can't get it out!

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    2. Barbara:
      "Margo, what have you got on? You look like the Angel of Death."

      Margo:
      "Yes, it's hideous, isn't it? The whole choir is wearing them when we sing The Messiah. Miss Mountshaft wants everyone to look the same and she only gave the dress maker one set of measurements."

      Jx

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  3. Wadi Rum is new to me. It surely has some camel in it.

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  4. So Petra is a blogger friend and a star, yes? This I understand. For many years I posted in Mago's comments as "Proxima Blue" (inspired by Proxima Centauri, yes I know its a red dwarf, shush! You don't know her heart.) So close to the earth yet so rarely seen. Well, hopefully I'll get to see your dear Petra in the comments here. :)

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    Replies
    1. You are correct, Melanie. Although, I wouldn't hold out hope for a glimpse of 'Petra as she's probably too busy belittling people and eating Godiva chocolates from her chaise while a lackey fetches yet another bottle of Krug...

      P.S. I'd love to do a star map for you too, but Proxima Centauri is all the way down there in the Southern Hemisphere, so until lockdown is lifted and I can persuade Dinah to make some space for a week or so (and put up with Beaky, as he's bound to want to come), there won't be any photos, unfortunately.

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    2. If Ms. Petra needs a bodyguard it seems the most appropriate niche for me in this soirée, or Kennel warden. I have a way with all the fuzzy beasties, you know.

      So you'd have to go to Australia for a Proxy star chart? But there's so many dangerous things there that want to kill a man! Maybe you'd be the one in need of a bodyguard?

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  5. Petra would love this! Especially the entourage bit. I shall try not to be too jealous.
    Sx

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    Replies
    1. I must admit, I was especially pleased with the entourage bit.
      I did email 'Petra, but have not had a response yet (see my reply to Melanie, above).

      My next job is to try and translate some of the star names to see if they may have surreptitiously been named for you and other Blogorati...

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  6. I'm waiting for someone to get "Deidre Chambers! " into this thread...

    I'm too close to the equator and urban light pollution to see any of your bright lights.But that's OK...I can pop over here any time. And Jon usually has a few twinky stars on show.

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    Replies
    1. "Dierdre Chambers! What a coincidence!" I have got Jon's blog open in another tab and realised that I'd missed his Totty of the Season post - although, the only one who looks like a twink is that plasticky Cristiano Ronaldo...

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    2. I don't like Twinkies...too sweet and the chocolate melts so qui...oh! Twinkies. Not Twinkies. Ah...to each his own.

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  7. Replies
    1. "Poor Petra"? Ha!*

      * I can scoff with impunity as it seems 'Petra is not deigning to visit.

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  8. I’m here I’m here!!! Also completely loving this. I’ve gone interstellar don’t you know.

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    Replies
    1. Hooray! You're alive!

      I'm glad you approve. And thanks for the Marilyn gif thingy - I nabbed it from yours ;)

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Tickle my fancy, why don't you?